“In the midst of societal constraints and personal prejudices, love finds its path, transforming fortunes and hearts alike.”
Watch the original version of Pride & Prejudice
Prologue
In the serene county of Hertfordshire, where the lush fields stretched as far as the eyes could see, existed a society as intricate and vibrant as a mosaic piece. The rolling landscape echoed the tales of the landed gentry dwelling in their luxurious manor houses, their lives woven around a culture of class, prestige, and marriages.
In this captivating backdrop, housed the Bennet family of the Longbourn estate. The patriarch, Mr. Bennet, was a rural gentleman of modest income, but his wealth was not in gold, rather in the laughter and love of his five lively daughters – Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Mrs. Bennet, on the other hand, was a woman of perpetual energy, always engrossed in the lives of her unmarried daughters, plotting matrimonial alliances that would elevate their social standing.
However, beneath the apparent calm of the Bennet household rumbled uncertainty. A legal provision, ‘entailment,’ stated that their estate would pass onto a distant cousin, William Collins, upon Mr. Bennet’s death. This chilling prospect held the potential to disrupt their rhythmic existence, making the Bennet sisters’ marriages more than a matter of the heart, but a dire necessity to secure their future.
Chapter 1: “The Unwanted Letter”
One breezy evening, an unwelcome letter arrived at Longbourn, bearing carefully scripted words that held the power to disquiet their lives. The letter, from their cousin William Collins, announced his impending visit to Longbourn. The Bennet’s peaceful breakfast was shattered as Mrs. Bennet dramatically read out the words, her voice trembling with a blend of panic and excitement.
“Oh my nerves! Can you believe it, Mr. Bennet? Our cousin William means to honor us with his esteemed presence,” she exclaimed, flapping the letter dramatically.
Mr. Bennet, calmly sipped his tea, a sardonic smile dancing on his face, finding humor in his wife’s theatrics. But behind his dry wit and indifferent exterior, Mr.Bennet was well aware of the sober reality. His daughters needed to marry well, if they were to be shielded from potential destitution.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet had already constructed fanciful plans. “I say we should marry the cousin to our dear Jane, the first-born. The estate would remain with us. Oh, what a delightful idea!”
Jane, the eldest and the most beautiful, blushed a deep shade of pink, while Elizabeth, the spirited and bold second child, gave a hearty laugh. “Mother, you cannot just plan Jane’s marriage to a man we hardly know!”
While the family engaged in heated conversations, little did they know that fate had already set a grand play in motion. An intricate dance of love, pride, and prejudices was about to unfold, challenging their beliefs, strumming chords of passion, and testing the strength of their character.
Chapter 2: “Balls and Revelations”
The tranquil Hertfordshire countryside shimmered under the Georgian-era sun. Spring had sprung, and with it, the gentry’s social season had commenced. The bustling market town of Meryton was abuzz with excitement, with the talk of hosting an extravagant communal ball, a famed tradition in these rural provinces.
The Bennet household was flustered with preparations, as Mrs. Bennet, with her relentless, excitable temperament, steered the household chaos. She was the one who had long anticipated this evening, planning her daughters’ grand entrance in the hope of catching the eye of the eligible bachelors in attendance.
The daughters, while sharing their mother’s enthusiasm, approached the ball with differing expectations. Jane, the eldest, and the most beautiful, hoped to simply enjoy an evening of merriment, while Elizabeth, her litter sister, longed for engaging conversations and was keen on escaping the predictable monotony of their confined lives.
The ball was held at the grandest house in the county, Netherfield Park, recently rented by the handsome and exceedingly wealthy, Mr. Charles Bingley. Clad in a red coat, with an air of amiability, he instantly won over the attendees. Alongside him was his sister, Miss Bingley, elegantly styled, dripping in diamonds, and his friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, tall, brooding and even wealthier.
Mr. Bingley’s affable charm and charisma made him an instant favorite. His eyes, however, were drawn only to Jane. Her captivating beauty, coupled with her sweet demeanor, had him smitten, and they delighted in each other’s company.
Mr. Darcy, on the other hand, was less impressed with the provincial society. He was a man of few words, with a seemingly impenetrable pride and a cold disposition. His haughty demeanor was in sharp contrast to the friendly merriment of Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth, an observer of human follies, made a quick judgment of Mr. Darcy as being arrogant, refusing to dance with him.
As the night wore on, an unexpected revelation caught Elizabeth’s attention. Overhearing Mr. Darcy’s conversation with Mr. Bingley, where he referred to her as ‘tolerable’ but not ‘handsome enough to tempt him,’ she felt her pride wounded. Yet, she laughed it off, telling the story to her friends, which further fueled the rumors around Mr. Darcy’s aloof nature.
However, as the night proceeded, Darcy found himself inexplicably drawn to Elizabeth’s quick wit, her sparkling eyes, and lively character. He noticed her again and again, her laughter echoing in the corners of the ornate room, her lively mind engaging others in deep conversation, and her spirit refusing to be doused by societal norms.
The ball came to an end, leaving behind a flurry of emotions, dances, and revelations. Mr. Bingley’s growing admiration for Jane was the talk of the town. Elizabeth, on the other hand, had become an enigma to Mr. Darcy, who despite his initial sentiments, found himself admirably drawn towards her, thus stirring a whirlwind of emotions within himself, he was yet to comprehend.
The stage was set for a dance of pride and prejudice, romance, and societal norms, weaving a complex web of hearts and hopes. The characters, unbeknownst to their fates, were embarking on a captivating journey of love, transforming the genteel world of the landed gentry into a battlefield of hearts. For it was not just a ball; it was the dawn of revelations, unspoken emotions, and a timeless love story.
Chapter 3: “The Proposal”
In the silence of the spacious drawing room of the Bennet family’s estate, the unthinkable occurred. The room was unusually still, save for the nervous twitching of Mr. Collins. His pale visage bore an expression of tense anticipation, his eyes darting over the room’s occupants clustered at the far corner. Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter, sat across him, her posture stiff as she braced for the impending proposition she’d been dreading since his arrival.
Mr. Collins, a distant cousin and the next in line to inherit the Bennet estate, had unsurprisingly targeted Elizabeth. Heart heavy and full of trepidation, she allowed the silence to linger for a moment longer before addressing his clear intention.
As their tea cooled, Mr. Collins began to stutter out his proposal. Every word was laced with self-importance but muddled with nervousness. He spoke of the need for a wife, his advantageous position as the heir of their estate, and his benevolent act in marrying her, a woman otherwise destined to become destitute upon the death of her father. His proposal was punctuated by long pauses and awkward glances, attempting to gauge her reaction to his words.
Elizabeth’s hands tightened on her teacup. She tried to maintain a facade of calm, but her thoughts were tumultuous. She had expected this, of course. Her mother had been overjoyed at the prospect of merging the landed English gentry by marrying off one of her daughters to the man destined to inherit their home. But Elizabeth had no desire to be treated as chattel, to be passed along for the sake of economic security.
Summoning her strength, she interrupted Mr. Collins in the middle of a particularly lengthy monologue about the comfort and stability they would find in their matrimony. With an unwavering voice, she declined his proposal. His reaction was one of astonishment and shock; his round face turning an alarming shade of red. He had not expected resistance, much less rejection.
As if on cue, a knock echoed through the room. The servant rushed in, a letter in hand. The tension was broken momentarily as Jane, the eldest Bennet daughter, received the post. It was a note from Netherfield Park, from Mr. Bingley. Jane’s face paled as she scanned the contents, her eyes welling up with unshed tears.
Elizabeth’s heart wrenched at the sight of her sister’s distress. She snatched the letter from Jane’s trembling hands, her eyes rapidly scanning the words written by Caroline Bingley, Mr. Bingley’s sister. The painful reality struck her like a bolt of lightning – Mr. Bingley had left for London indefinitely and showed no intention of returning.
As the news sank in, Elizabeth’s mind went into overdrive. She found herself blaming Mr. Darcy for this sudden heartbreak that had befallen her sister. It was he who had influenced Mr. Bingley against Jane, she was certain.
The room buzzed with the news, and momentarily Mr. Collins’ rejection was forgotten. The somber atmosphere reflected the predicament of the two sisters – one mourning a love that had barely begun, and the other rejecting a proposal that was never desired.
Fueled by her sister’s heartbreak and her anger towards Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth decided to confront him. Unaware of the tumultuous emotions brewing within her, she remained resolute. The chapter ended with Elizabeth bracing herself for a showdown, her heart heavy with anger and guilt, and her spirit unbroken – prepared to face the world for the sake of her family.
Chapter 4: “Love and Misunderstandings”
In the quiet confines of the Bennet’s drawing-room, Elizabeth was engrossed in a book when a knock resounded. It was Mr. Darcy, standing tall with a serious yet somewhat nervous demeanor. With her heart beating wildly, she asked him to sit, the silence in the room was palpable as he hesitated before finally speaking, “Elizabeth…” He started, “I came to you…not to disrupt your tranquility but to share the feelings that I can no longer suppress.”
Elizabeth blinked in surprise. She looked at him with a mixture of confusion and apprehension, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words. His face was stern, but his eyes were desperate, almost pleading. He looked at her, the corners of his mouth twitching nervously.
“I find myself irresistibly drawn to you. Your lively intelligence, your wit, your beauty…they all make me feel things I have never felt before,” he said, his expression earnest. “Despite my better judgment and the gap in our social standings, I…I am in love with you, Elizabeth Bennet.”
The room suddenly felt very small, and Elizabeth felt a tightness in her chest. His words echoed in her mind, sending her thoughts into a whirlpool of surprise, confusion, and hurt. Hurt by his honesty, confused by her own heart and surprised by the intensity of his feelings.
Her hands shook slightly as she placed her book down, her thoughts moving faster than her words. “Mr. Darcy,” she said after a moment of silence, her voice shaking with uncertainty. “Your honesty… is surprisingly cruel. You love me in spite of my lower status?”
His face fell, realizing his words have not been wisely chosen, but it was too late to take it back. “I didn’t mean to…”
“But you did, Mr. Darcy,” she interrupted, her eyes hardening. “You’ve interfered with my sister’s happiness, you belittled my family and now you begrudge me my happiness. I’m not an object of pity, Mr. Darcy.”
The silence was stifling. Mr. Darcy’s face was a picture of regret. He got up abruptly, his hands clenched tightly by his side. “I see I have offended you,” he said, his voice strained. “I did not mean to, Elizabeth.”
She stood her ground, her eyes not leaving him. “Perhaps you should’ve thought of that before, Mr. Darcy. I’m sorry, but I cannot accept your proposal.”
He nodded stiffly and left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone with her thoughts. His proposal had stirred something within her. She felt a sharp pain in her chest, not for the humiliation he had inflicted but for an all-consuming confusion about her own feelings.
Later, upon receiving a letter from Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth’s feelings took another turn. The letter painted a different picture of him—a man caring for his friend, a man deceived by Mr. Wickham, and a man grappling with his burgeoning feelings for a woman far below his social stature.
The letter brought forth a rush of emotions in her. Mixed feelings of regret, anger, and an underlying current of affection washed over Elizabeth. Perhaps, after all, Mr. Darcy wasn’t the villain she had painted him to be.
Chapter 5: “A Change in Fortunes”
The amiable Mr. Gardiner and his wife, Elizabeth’s favorite aunt, invite her to embark on a summer sojourn with them. Their journey winds and meanders through the lush landscapes of Derbyshire, and like a daisy following the sun, they are drawn to the grand estate of Pemberley. Here, the illustrious Mr. Darcy resides. Elizabeth agrees to visit the estate, though she stipulates that they do so only when its master is absent.
As they approach Pemberley, Elizabeth surveys the building with wide-eyed admiration. The mansion, grand yet welcoming, sits amidst a picturesque landscape as if it has risen from the grounds. The bewitching beauty of the place fills Elizabeth’s heart with warmth, and for the first time, she ponders if she could belong in such splendor.
In a burst of dramatic irony, they stumble upon Mr. Darcy, who has returned home earlier than anticipated. Elizabeth, stricken by his unexpected presence, flutters between embarrassment and curiosity. Mr. Darcy, once the epitome of cold aristocracy, now greets Elizabeth with warmth, revealing a softer side she’s never seen before. He appears more gentleman, less aloof, and his eyes possess a sparkle when they meet hers – an unexpected transformation that stirs Elizabeth’s nascent feelings.
At Pemberley, Elizabeth encounters Darcy’s housekeeper, a woman loyal to her master. She paints a flattering image of Darcy, narrating tales of his kindness, his love for his sister, and a generous nature hidden beneath the veneer of pride. And all these accounts tug at Elizabeth’s heartstrings, urging her to reevaluate her preconceived notions about the man.
One day, she stumbles upon Darcy’s well-stocked library. The literature, the poetry, every worn-out page of every book, reflects Darcy’s rich intellect and depth of his character. Furthermore, Elizabeth discovers letters penned by Darcy to his beloved sister, letters dripping with affection and revealing a tender side of Darcy that Elizabeth had not anticipated.
Then arrives an unexpected missive from home, bearing unsettling news of her youngest sister Lydia, who has recklessly eloped with the deceitful Wickham. As Elizabeth reels from the shock, Darcy enters the room. Seeing her distress, he offers his comforting presence, his sympathies, and the assurance that all shall be well – a gesture that profoundly moves Elizabeth.
It’s during this moment of vulnerability that Elizabeth learns about Wickham’s deceit. Not only did the rogue squander Darcy’s financial aid but also attempted to elope with Darcy’s younger sister for her fortune. Darcy’s confessions unveil the truth behind Elizabeth’s previous misconceptions, dismantling the image of the villain she had painted of him. This revelation evokes empathy in Elizabeth, and she chides herself for being blind to Wickham’s machinations.
As Elizabeth contemplates the rollercoaster of recent events, she realizes her heart throbs for Darcy. The Pemberley’s grandeur, Darcy’s newly discovered kindness, and his unabashed love for his sister all resonate with Elizabeth. However, Lydia’s reckless elopement, she worries, has marred her family’s reputation, making her an unworthy match for Darcy.
Elizabeth departs Pemberley with a heavy heart, burdened by regret, remorse, and a newfound affection for Darcy. This chapter carves a pivotal transformation in Elizabeth’s feelings, from aversion to admiration. The Derbyshire trip, though initially meant for a tranquil escape, leaves her profoundly changed, setting the stage for the intense emotional conflicts that are yet to unfold.
Chapter 6: “Love Revealed”
Elizabeth Bennet’s eyes were still brimming with the beautiful images of Pemberley when calamity struck, in the form of a letter. As she read Lydia’s hastily scrawled words of her elopement with Mr. Wickham, the grandeur of Pemberley faded away, replaced by a pool of worry, embarrassment, and fear. The image of Mr. Darcy’s handsome countenance was eclipsed by the harsh reality of her sister’s reckless actions. Her heart sank, casting a shadow over the feelings that had begun to crystallize in its corner for Mr. Darcy.
In the ensuing chaos, Elizabeth had barely a moment to herself, and yet every solitary moment was dominated by the thought of Darcy. Was his newfound kindness a facade? Would this scandal change his slowly softening image of her? Her heart ached at the prospect of never seeing him again, her cheeks flushed with the embarrassment of the family ordeal he would soon learn about.
Meanwhile, unknown to the Bennet family, Darcy was dealing with his own turmoil. Upon hearing about Wickham’s scandalous behavior, his first instinct was to protect Elizabeth from the fallout. His heart was bound by love, and instead of withdrawing, he found himself drawn towards the eye of the storm.
In London, he tirelessly traced Wickham’s steps, his veins fired with resolve. Darcy was a man in love, ready to protect Elizabeth at all costs. His days were spent in shadowy taverns and seedy inns, his nights in contemplation and planning. The high society of London could not fathom his involvement in such a sordid affair, further fueling the mystery surrounding him.
Finding Wickham turned out to be a herculean task. The shadows he had been cast seemed impenetrable, and Darcy could hardly believe this was the same man who had once been like a brother to him. After days of relentless pursuit, he finally traced Wickham to a dingy inn. Looking into his eyes, Darcy felt a profound sadness for the young man he had once known, now shrouded in disgrace and scandal.
He negotiated with Wickham, his persuasive words laced with an undercurrent of threat. After much struggle, he managed to secure a marriage between Wickham and Lydia, thereby avoiding complete social ruination for the Bennet family. All this, he did for the woman he loved, his deeds echoing his unvoiced sentiments.
Back in Longbourn, the news of Lydia’s marriage was met with relief and gratitude. Mrs. Bennet was quick to shove under the rug the near-disaster met by their family, focusing instead on the joy of having another daughter well-settled. In the midst of the jamboree, Elizabeth found herself lost in thought. The sudden turn of events perplexed her, and deep down, a small hope ignited – could Darcy have had something to do with this?
The day arrived when she could question him no longer, for Mr. Darcy returned to Hertfordshire. His eyes met hers; a silent conversation passed between them – a flicker of gratitude, a shimmer of hope, and a flood of unsaid words. Elizabeth’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with questions.
It was then that Darcy confessed his involvement in Lydia’s elopement. His words echoed in the quiet drawing room, confessing a love so profound that it had driven him to save her family from disgrace. A mixture of disbelief and admiration washed over Elizabeth as she looked at Darcy, the man who had traveled a long way – in distance and in personality – for her. His confession of love was silent but strong, visible in his actions that were louder than any words. For the first time in her life, Elizabeth felt a great stir of emotion, a strong pull towards the man standing before her. The arrogance she once saw in him had transformed into an endearing earnestness, making her heart flutter in a rhythm she knew all too well – it was love, pure and profound.
Chapter 7: “A Journey Towards Love”
Sunlight flooded the Bennet residence as the dawn broke, heralding a new day. A day unlike any other. A day of reconciliation, of hope, and above all else, of love.
Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest of the five daughters, found herself in her room’s window, staring at the verdant estates that would soon cease to be hers. But her heart was light. For in her heart now resided a man whose love she had once rejected, but who had since proven himself to be above her initial impressions. Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
In the distance beyond the fields and hills, a carriage approached. Its occupant: a man whose stern facade concealed a heart as tumultuous as the sea, a man named Fitzwilliam Darcy. His mind buzzed with thoughts of the woman for whom he had crossed counties. Would his Elizabeth accept his second proposal, he wondered, or was he destined to face the poignant sting of rejection again?
As the carriage rumbled into the estate, Elizabeth stepped away from the window, her heart drumming an exciting, nervous beat. She prepared to descend and greet him when her elder sister, Jane, gently stopped her.
“Are you quite alright, Lizzy?” Jane asked, her concern evident. Elizabeth smiled and nodded, although her jangled nerves said otherwise.
“Quite alright, Jane. Just…incredulous,” she admitted.
“That such a proud man as Mr. Darcy would humble himself to make another attempt?”
Elizabeth nodded.
“Don’t worry, Lizzy,” Jane said, squeezing her sister’s shoulder reassuringly. “If our estimations are correct, which I am certain they are, Mr. Darcy is a changed man.”
Much had transpired since Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy had met at the dance hall. Initially ambivalent about him, she had grown to appreciate his true nature: his compassion, his nobility, his devotion. And Elizabeth had learnt a vital lesson in the process: First impressions often deceive. People, like books, had depth beyond their covers.
“Mr. Darcy is here,” came the servant’s call, pulling her out of her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth steeled herself for the impending encounter.
In the sitting room, Mr. Darcy stood, looking as regal as ever, but there was a softness to his eyes that hadn’t previously been visible. As Elizabeth entered, the room seemed to dim, and he saw nothing but her.
“Miss Bennet,” he nodded, his voice filled with respect and a hint of trepidation.
“Mr. Darcy,” she returned, her voice steady, although her heart pounded fiercely inside her chest.
He took a step forward. “Miss Bennet, I have done a great deal of thinking since our last encounter. I am well aware of the impropriety of my previous actions and the strain they caused. I’m here today not to rectify the past, but to hopefully forge a new future. A future where I can stand by your side, not as a superior, but as an equal. As a partner.”
Elizabeth’s heart was thrumming wildly now.
“Mr. Darcy, I too have done a great deal of thinking,” she replied. “I have come to realize that appearances deceive, conclusions we come to hastily can often be mistaken. I have realized that beneath your exterior of pride and arrogance lies a man of honour, depth, and kindness.”
A smile flickered on Darcy’s face.
“Miss Bennet, Elizabeth,” he began, “will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
There was a pause. A pause that contained within it the weight of past misunderstandings, of shared experiences and the promise of a potential future.
“Yes, Mr. Darcy, I will,” Elizabeth finally said, a broad smile lighting up her face.
And with those words, an erratic, tumultuous journey concluded, paving the way for a new life of love and understanding. As the news of their engagement spread, the Bennet residence buzzed with joy and relief.
The last chapter of this saga ended with the beautiful spectacle of two weddings. As Jane and Mr. Bingley committed to each other in the sanctity of holy matrimony, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy promised to stand by each other through every twist and turn that life might throw at them.
These unions, filled with love and dominated by the triumph of understanding over prejudice and love over pride, secured the Bennets’ uncertain future. As the final words were spoken, and the brides tossed their bouquets into the crowd of well-wishers, the curtain slowly closed on a drama that had spanned seasons, kilometers, and an array of human emotions, leaving behind a tale of love, resilience, and the power of second chances.
Thus, the story of the Bennets, of life and love amidst the landed English gentry, of pride and prejudice, reached its port of call. It was a journey filled with upheavals, confusion, and revelations. Yet, it was a journey that held close to its heart, the fundamental truths of human existence: of love found in the most unexpected places, of pride conquered, and of prejudices overcome.
Some scenes from the movie Pride & Prejudice written by A.I.
Scene 1
FADE IN:
INT. BENNET’S HOUSE, DRAWING ROOM – DAY
MRS. BENNET, a woman of great vitality and limited patience, is speaking to her husband, MR. BENNET, a quiet, bemused gentleman reading a book in his armchair.
MRS. BENNET
(agitated)
A letter, Mr. Bennet! From our cousin, William Collins.
MR. BENNET
(squints at letter)
Indeed.
MRS. BENNET
(panicked)
He’s the heir to your estate!
MR. BENNET
(absently)
So he is.
Mrs. Bennet shifts her gaze to her five daughters, JANE, ELIZABETH, MARY, KITTY, and LYDIA. They are seated near the window, quietly doing their needlework.
MRS. BENNET
(to herself)
Five daughters and not one married…
THE CAMERA moves to ELIZABETH BENNET, her attractive face thoughtful as she listens to her mother’s mutterings.
EXT. BENNET’S HOUSE, GARDEN – DAY
Elizabeth and Jane are strolling, deep in discussion.
JANE
(smiling)
Mr. Collins may not be so bad, Lizzy.
ELIZABETH
(raised eyebrow)
You think Mother intends for him to marry one of us, Jane?
JANE
(smiling wistfully)
It would secure our futures.
ELIZABETH
(incredulous)
Marry a man we don’t love?
They both gaze into the distance, their thoughts a mix of fear and hope.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2
INT. BALLROOM – NIGHT
A sea of elegantly dressed GENTLEMEN and LADIES fill the grand hall, gleaming in candlelight. The two most handsome MEN amidst them are Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
ANGLE ON: The Bennet sisters enter. Jane, beautiful and radiant, and Elizabeth, intelligent and spirited. They catch the eyes of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy respectively.
CUT TO:
INT. BALLROOM – DANCE FLOOR – LATER
Mr. Bingley dances with JANE.
MR. BINGLEY
You dance with such grace, Miss Bennet.
JANE
You flatter me, Mr. Bingley.
CUT TO:
INT. BALLROOM – SIDELINES – SAME TIME
ELIZABETH observes them, she notices Mr. Darcy standing stiffly. He turns to her.
MR. DARCY
Your sister and Mr. Bingley make a good pair.
ELIZABETH
You say so?
Darcy somewhat surprised by the candidness.
MR. DARCY
I do. But what about you, Miss Bennet, do you not wish to dance?
Elizabeth smiles.
ELIZABETH
I might, with someone less prideful, Mr. Darcy.
Darcy raises an eyebrow. There’s a sparkle in Elizabeth’s eye. The spark of the underlying tension between them broadens, paving the way for the story to unfold.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
INT. LONGBOURN HOUSE – PARLOUR – DAY
Elizabeth Bennet sits nervously, an open book in her hands. Mr. Collins, a tall, obsequious man, stands nervously near.
MR. COLLINS
Miss Bennet, I find myself irresistibly drawn to your charms and wit. I believe you, as my cousin, would make an excellent wife.
Elizabeth looks stunned.
ELIZABETH
Mr. Collins, I am… honored. But I cannot accept your proposal.
MR. COLLINS
(Flinches, surprised)
But I offer you security, status.
Elizabeth stands, placing her book on the side table.
ELIZABETH
And you think that should be enough to make me agree to marry you?
Mr. Collins looks taken aback.
MR. COLLINS
I… I am offering a comfortable life. Isn’t that what every woman desires?
Elizabeth walks towards the window, her gaze steady.
ELIZABETH
Not every woman, Mr. Collins. And certainly not me.
Suddenly, Jane comes running in, holding a letter, her face pale.
JANE
Lizzy… it’s a letter from Bingley… he’s gone.
Elizabeth, taken aback, forgets Mr. Collins and rushes to her sister’s side.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. LONGBOURN HOUSE – DRAWING ROOM – DAY
Elizabeth is reading a book. Mr. Darcy, looking nervous, enters.
DARCY
(standing awkwardly)
Miss Bennet.
ELIZABETH
(looking up)
Mr. Darcy.
A beat. Darcy struggles to voice his feelings.
DARCY
(awkwardly)
Your inferior social standing, lack of fortune… I’ve struggled against my feelings. But I must admit, I admire you, admire your audacity and wit… And so, I ask for your hand in marriage, Miss Bennet.
Elizabeth drops her book, stunned but also angry.
ELIZABETH
You insult my family, separate my sister from the man she loves, and now you say you love me?
Darcy looks shocked as Elizabeth storms out.
CUT TO:
INT. LONGBOURN HOUSE – ELIZABETH’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Elizabeth, still angry, receives a letter from Mr. Darcy explaining his actions. She reads it, her anger slowly replaced by confusion, then understanding.
ELIZABETH
(voiceover)
So, he saved us from ruin… and he did it for love.
FADE OUT.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Scene 5
INT. DRAWING ROOM – DAY
Elizabeth stares at the grandeur of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s estate, as her AUNT and UNCLE admire the architecture.
UNCLE
Quite an estate, wouldn’t you say, Lizzy?
ELIZABETH
(awkwardly)
Yes, quite.
Just then, Mr. Darcy enters the room, surprising Elizabeth.
DARCY
(surprised)
Miss Bennet!
ELIZABETH
(flustered)
Mr. Darcy. We did not expect to see you here.
DARCY
(embarassed)
I arrived earlier than anticipated. I hope I haven’t intruded on your tour of Pemberley.
Elizabeth, plagued by curiosity, visits the Servant’s Quarters in the hope of understanding Darcy better. She encounters Darcy’s housekeeper, MRS. REYNOLDS, a warm, kind woman.
MRS. REYNOLDS
Master Darcy is the best of men. Generous, kind-hearted, and always thinking of others before himself.
She excitedly shows Elizabeth a portrait of Darcy.
MRS. REYNOLDS
(cheerfully)
Doesn’t he look dashing?
ELIZABETH
(stunned)
Yes… he does.
Elizabeth’s eyes soften. She starts viewing Darcy in a new light.
LATER
Elizabeth encounters DARCY near a lake. Their eyes meet.
DARCY
(sincerely)
Miss Bennet, I have tried to rectify my errors. Would you give me the chance to make amends?
His words are left hanging as the sounds of Pemberley fill the air.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. BENNET HOUSE – DAY
Elizabeth, looking shell-shocked, holds the LETTER.
ELIZABETH
(Looking at her sister Jane)
Our youngest sister has eloped with Mr. Wickham.
JANE
(Shocked)
But, how is this possible?
CUT TO:
EXT. DARCY ESTATE – DAY
Elizabeth, unable to hide her distress, confronts Mr. Darcy.
ELIZABETH
(Angrily)
You knew about Wickham’s true nature, why didn’t you warn us?
MR. DARCY
(Regretfully)
I wish I would have, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth walks away, leaving a regretful Darcy behind.
FADE TO:
INT. BENNET HOUSE – WEEKS LATER – DAY
A joyous Mrs. Bennet reveals the good news.
MRS. BENNET
(Excitedly)
Lydia and Wickham are to be wed! Mr. Darcy found them.
Elizabeth’s eyes widen in surprise.
CUT TO:
EXT. GARDEN – DAY
Elizabeth finds Darcy alone.
ELIZABETH
(Softly)
Why would you help us?
Darcy looks at her with quiet intensity.
MR. DARCY
(Barely above a whisper)
To see you happy, is all I desire.
FADE OUT.
